Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:237. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Social Protection if her Department will carry out a review of the fuel allowance payment of a person (details supplied). [9442/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (237)
Freagraí scríofa
The Fuel Allowance is a contribution towards the energy costs of a household. The payment of €33 per week for 28 weeks (a total of €924 each year) is paid from late September to April.
According to the records of my department the person concerned applied for Fuel Allowance on 28 November 2022. The Fuel allowance was awarded from the first payment date after receipt of the application, 02 December 2022.
The €400 Lump Sum Fuel Allowance once off payment was payable to people in receipt of Fuel Allowance on 18 November 2022. As the person concerned was not in receipt of this allowance at the time, they are not entitled to receive this payment.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits
Ceisteanna (238)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:238. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for household benefits in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9462/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
An application from the person concerned was received on 17 January 2023. The person concerned was not in receipt of a qualifying payment at that time and was informed that when a decision was made on their state pension (contributory) application, their entitlement to the Household Benefits Package would be re-examined.
As a result of the outcome of their pension application, the person concerned has been awarded the Household Benefits Package, with effect from the date they reach pension age, 28 March 2023. A letter to notify the person concerned of this decision has been issued.
I trust this clarifies the issue for the Deputy.
Departmental Staff
Ceisteanna (239)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:239. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of employees in his Department who have taken sick leave or stress leave in each month since he assumed office, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9294/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since I took Office, the following is the monthly breakdown of staff who took sick leave including those cases where the reason for the leave was disclosed as stress leave.
|
Month |
Number of staff on sick leave |
of which stress was disclosed leave |
|
June 2020 |
1 |
|
|
July 2020 |
4 |
|
|
August 2020 |
5 |
1 |
|
September 2020 |
7 |
|
|
October 2020 |
14 |
|
|
November 2020 |
20 |
1 |
|
December 2020 |
12 |
1 |
|
January 2021 |
15 |
|
|
February 2021 |
9 |
|
|
March 2021 |
20 |
|
|
April 2021 |
15 |
|
|
May 2021 |
14 |
|
|
June 2021 |
17 |
|
|
July 2021 |
15 |
|
|
August 2021 |
18 |
1 |
|
September 2021 |
18 |
|
|
October 2021 |
33 |
1 |
|
November 2021 |
39 |
1 |
|
December 2021 |
23 |
|
|
January 2022 |
24 |
|
|
February 2022 |
35 |
1 |
|
March 2022 |
19 |
1 |
|
April 2022 |
29 |
|
|
May 2022 |
35 |
|
|
June 2022 |
20 |
|
|
July 2022 |
23 |
|
|
August 2022 |
33 |
|
|
September 2022 |
38 |
|
|
October 2022 |
52 |
|
|
November 2022 |
48 |
1 |
|
December 2022 |
72 |
|
|
January 2023 |
49 |
International Protection
Ceisteanna (240)
Marc MacSharry
Ceist:240. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when an accommodation provider for Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) who is experiencing financial difficulties will receive payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9298/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.
My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and my Department is according this issue very high priority.
I am advised by my officials that one payment was issued on 3rd of February 2023 to the company mentioned in the Details Supplied and a further payment is expected to issue in the coming week, pending final checks. The outstanding invoices are currently being prioritised for payment.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (241)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:241. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a payment will be paid to a centre housing Ukrainian refugees (details supplied) as payment has not issued for the months of September, October, November, December 2022 and January 2023; the reason for the delay with these payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9375/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.
My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and the Department is according this issue very high priority.
I am advised by my officials that payments to the accommodation in question issued in 2022 in respect of mid Sept/Oct. Payments from mid Oct to mid December are expected to issue shortly, pending final checks, while the remaining two invoices are currently in process. Their patience is much appreciated.
International Protection
Ceisteanna (242)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:242. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth whether consideration has been given to outsourcing the payment of refugee centres to an organisation at a location (details supplied) with a proven record of making payments on time on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9376/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has engaged over 700 properties to provide accommodation for Ukrainian Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection. In line with the Department’s commitment to substantially clear the backlog at the end of 2022, I temporarily re-assigned staff from other parts of the Department in December, doubling the size of the payments unit. The enlarged team approved more than 100 million euros worth of payments.
My Department is prioritising maintaining a practice of more timely payments, including providing more resources to address any issues. Any delays in making payments are deeply regretted and the Department is according this issue very high priority.
I can advise the Deputy that my officials are considering a number of avenues of support in relation to outsourcing, and that the organisation in question (Dublin office) has already been engaged to provide services to my Department in respect of assisting the payments operation.
Departmental Projects
Ceisteanna (243)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:243. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9384/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department has 64 live studies, reviews and research projects underway. 40 of these (approximately 60%) involve the commissioning of external experts.
For full details please see the table below:
Early Childhood Care and Education
Ceisteanna (244)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:244. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide an update on plans for year 2 of Core Funding for the early learning and childcare sector; when the details of the next pay agreement will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9402/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 15th September, I launched Together for Better, the new funding model for early learning and childcare. This new funding model supports the delivery of early learning and childcare for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families as well as stability and sustainability for providers.
Together for Better, the new funding model comprised of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, including the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the new Core Funding scheme, is about getting the most out of the three early learning and childcare programmes, for children, parents, providers, the workforce, and society overall, and ensuring stability and sustainability in the sector. A fourth strand of funding under Together for Better - to tackle disadvantage - is under development.
Core Funding has a budget of €259 million in full year costs for year 1 of the programme (September 2022-August 2023) to start the partnership for the public good between the State and providers. Core Funding is designed to support a range of objectives, including supporting the new minimum rates of pay for workers as determined by the Employment Regulation Orders (EROs), as well as supporting career pathways and graduate employment. The first EROs came into effect on 15th September 2022, improving rates of pay for 73% of the workforce.
In Budget 2023, an additional €28 million was secured to increase the Core Funding allocation to €287 million for Year 2 of the Scheme.
I have committed €4 million of that additional allocation in Year 2 to remove the 3-year experience rule for graduate premiums (subject to an amendment to the EROs) with the remaining €24 million to introduce other developments to the Scheme – that will continue to focus on meeting the combined objectives of Core Funding - improved quality for children, including through pay and conditions for staff in the sector, improved affordability for parents, as well as ensuring a stable income to providers.
Further interrogation of the new Core Funding application data is required in order to most effectively design developments in Year 2 of the scheme.
The State is not the employer and therefore does not set the pay and conditions for employees in early learning and childcare services. However, there is now, through the JLC process, a formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate new pay rates for this sector.
An ERO is an instrument drawn up by a JLC, adopted by the Labour Court, and given statutory effect by the Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail. The ERO fixes minimum rates of pay and conditions of employment for workers in specified business sectors: employers in those sectors are then obliged to pay wage rates and provide conditions of employment not less favourable than those prescribed. The Industrial Relations Act 1946 sets out the process for adopting an ERO.
The drawing up of new EROs is an independent process under which the Department has no role. However, I have signalled that of the additional funding secured in Budget 2023 for Core Funding, at least €4m will be available to support improvements to pay of the workforce and will be contingent on new EROs being in place that do not specify a 3-year experience requirement.
Third Level Costs
Ceisteanna (245)
Ged Nash
Ceist:245. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if he is concerned at the cost to students of undertaking degrees in medicine in order to qualify as a doctor; if his attention has been drawn to the impact the removal from the market of a scheme (details supplied) for medicine students has had on access to courses; if his Department is considering any scheme of financial supports for students where they or their families are on low or middle incomes in order to assist with the financial costs involved in studying medicine, such as bursaries with conditions attached, that would require beneficiaries to work in Ireland for a period following graduation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9305/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The loans available for Graduate Entry Medicine students are private arrangements between the relevant lenders and the students applying for such loans. However, I do understand from both students who have written to me and engagement with the relevant higher education institutions that the availability of such loans has been important in supporting people, including mature students, to study medicine.
My Department has no plans to directly introduce a financial/loan scheme for students of Graduate Entry Medicine. The total level of tuition fees charged to Graduate Entry Medicine students is a matter for the higher education institutions, consistent with the principle of their institutional autonomy. However, the Deputy may wish to be aware that the State already provides support for broadening access to Graduate Entry Medicine programmes through the part-subsidy of fees for EU students. This subsidy is paid to the higher education institutions via the Higher Education Authority and the balance of the relevant fee is payable by the student.
The ‘Funding the Future’ funding and policy reform framework for higher education agreed by Government last May envisages a mixed funding model for higher education, comprising funding streams from the Exchequer, employer contributions and student contributions.
Within the framework of ‘Funding the Future’, my Department has been working to address the cost of provision of Graduate Entry Medicine by increasing the subsidy paid to higher education institutions. It has been agreed that the State contribution towards Graduate Entry Medicine places will gradually be increased over a multi-annual period from a rate of €11,950 per student in the 2021/22 academic year to a new rate of €14,500. The balance of fees, as determined by the institution attended, will remain payable by the student.
The Deputy may also wish to be aware that students on Graduate Entry Medicine programmes may be eligible to apply to the Student Assistance Fund (SAF) for financial support. This Fund provides financial support to full and part-time students who are experiencing financial difficulties while attending college and can provide assistance towards their rent, childcare costs, transport costs and books/class materials. Applications can be made to this Fund through the Access Office in a student’s higher education institution. I have recently announced €4.3 million to be allocated to SAF to assist students with the cost of living. This was in addition to the €8m that was allocated in Budget 2023. This brings the total allocation for the Student Assistance Fund for the 22/23 academic year to over €20 million, which is the highest amount that has ever been provided under this fund.
In addition, tax relief at the standard rate of tax may also be available in respect of tuition fees paid for approved courses at approved colleges of higher education. Further information on this tax relief is available from a student's local Tax Office or from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.
I extended the remit of the 1916 Bursary Fund and existing bursary recipients will be deemed to have met the progression requirement and can be supported if they choose to progress to Graduate Entry Medicine courses for the duration of that course. subject to over cap of 4 years postgraduate study details of which can be found on www.studentfinance.ie.
Any consideration of the introduction of a bursary scheme in return for future clinical years would be matter for health employers.
Departmental Projects
Ceisteanna (246)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:246. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9391/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The information requested by the Deputy in relation to the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by my Department including the date they are scheduled to be completed is attached in tabular form.
|
Study, Review and Research Name |
Scheduled to completed |
|
National review of State supports for PhD researchers. |
Early 2023 |
|
Report on the National Survey of Student Experiences of Bullying in Irish HEIs |
Quarter 2 2023 |
|
Ireland/OECD Review of Skills |
Quarter 2 2023 |
|
DFHERIS/ESRI Joint Skills Research Programme on Irish Skills Requirements |
2025 |
Prison Service
Ceisteanna (247)
Mark Ward
Ceist:247. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the mental health crisis de-escalation team in Limerick; the number of positions that are filled; the number of positions left to be filled; the expected opening of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9283/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have requested the information sought by the Deputy, however, this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51.
I refer to Parliamentary Question No. 247 of 23 February 2023 where you sought: “To ask the Minister for Justice if he will provide an update on the mental health crisis de-escalation team in Limerick; the number of positions that are filled; the number of positions left to be filled; the expected opening of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.”
As you will recall, the information you requested was not available at the time, and I undertook to contact you again once the information was to hand.
As you are aware, decisions in relation to the provision, allocation and management of Garda resources are matters for the Garda Commissioner. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
The Garda authorities inform me that the Community Access Support Teams (CAST) project proposal, in collaboration with the HSE, was approved by the Garda Executive on 27 September 2022.
I was further informed that a Project Initiation Document was approved at a CAST Joint Steering Committee meeting on 16 December 2022. Additionally, key deliverables of the project and responsibilities were discussed, and the realignment of the governance of the project was agreed. This change now sees the Joint Steering Committee becoming a Strategic Forum, with the Implementation Working Group and various work streams reporting to them on a periodic basis.
The following 7 work streams have been identified to progress the implementation:
• Training
• Innovation
• Evaluation
• Recruitment & Logistics
• Governance
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communications
The project requirements, which were approved by the Garda Executive, are currently being progressed and include: additional resources, vehicles, uniform, IT and logistics, and accommodation.
The HSE are currently preparing competitions for three posts.
I hope that this information is of assistance.
Departmental Projects
Ceisteanna (248)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:248. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Justice the current number of live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by him; and the date by which each study, review and research is scheduled to be completed, in tabular form. [9394/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The table below lists the live studies, reviews and research undertaken or commissioned by my Department, and includes the scheduled completion date of each.
|
Study/Review/Research |
Scheduled Completion Date |
|
Review of the operation of Section 31 (Digital Age of Consent provision) of the Data Protection Act, 2018 |
Q4 2023 |
|
Review of personal insolvency legislation |
Q1 2023 |
|
Study on Familicide and Domestic Homicide Reviews |
Q2 2023 |
|
Policy review of the General Scheme of the Criminal Justice (Community Sanctions) Bill 2014 |
Q1 2023 |
|
Health Needs Assessment of Prison Population Report |
Q1 2023 |
|
Evaluation of Domestic Violence Perpetrator Programmes in Ireland |
Q1 2023 |
|
Review of the Processing of Sexual Offences: Stakeholder Experiences |
Q1 2023 |
|
Annual Year in Review report on the overall issue of cyberbullying, cyber hate, and online harassment, conducted by the Research Observatory on Cyberbullying in conjunction with the commencement of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act |
Q1 2023, Q1 2024 |
|
Review of Part 4 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 |
Q2 2023 |
|
Review of the operation of the provisions of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964 as they relate to guardianship of children whose parents are neither married or in a civil partnership |
Q4 2023 |
|
Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) / Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) in the area of litigation costs to the State: This aims to identify and cost alternative models for litigation |
Q2 2023 |
|
Independent Review of the Offences Against the State Acts |
Q1 2023 |
|
Review of the existing functions, powers, appointments procedures and reporting processes of Prison Visiting Committees |
Q1 2023 |
|
Review on sentence tariffs for minimum periods of imprisonment in relation to life sentences |
Q3 2023 |
|
Review of remission and structured temporary release |
Q4 2023 |
|
Exploring the experiences of International Protection Applicants (and other stakeholders) of access to the labour market |
Q1 2023 |
|
Review of enactments providing for the imposition of minimum mandatory sentences in accordance with Section 29 of the Judicial Council Act, 2019 |
Q2 2023 |
|
Sexual Violence Survey: To measure the prevalence of sexual assaults and the experiences of victims of sexual assaults. This is being run by the CSO, and supported by the Department, and there is a joint oversight group |
Q2 2023 |
|
Evaluation of the Local Community Safety Partnership Pilots over three sites |
Q4 2023 |
|
Strategic Review of Abhaile, the State-Funded Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service, commissioned by the Department of Social Protection and undertaken in conjunction with the Department of Justice |
Q1 2023 |
|
Review of the Current GSOC Operational Business Model and Recommendation on its Potential Future State |
Q1 2023 |
|
Report by legal historian outlining the type, availability and quality of publicly-available records that may support a scheme to disregard of convictions for certain qualifying offences related to consensual sexual activity between men in Ireland |
Q2 2023 |
|
Firearms Expert Committee |
Q1 2023 |
|
Joint Review Group Office with Office of the Revenue Commissioners to examine the role of Sheriffs |
Q3 2023 |
|
Review of the Department’s Operating Model |
Q2 2023 |
|
Quality Review of The Criminal Justice (Community Service) (Amendment) Act 2011 |
Q4 2023 |
|
Review of the Processing of Sexual Offences: Stakeholder Experiences |
Q1 2023 |
|
Civil Legal Aid Focus Groups |
Q2 2023 |
|
Comparison of Jurisdiction: The Role of the Peacekeepers (Internal) |
Q1 2023 |
|
Ethnic Monitoring in the Criminal Justice System |
Q4 2023 |
|
Justice Public Attitude Survey |
Q2 2023 |
|
Legal costs research |
Q1 2023 |
Naturalisation Applications
Ceisteanna (249)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:249. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if all documentation associated with the application for naturalisation in the case of a person (details supplied) has been received and processed; if there is any outstanding information required; if and when this might be dealt with and their application for citizenship approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9455/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The naturalisation application from the person referred to by the Deputy continues to be processed by my Department, with a view to establishing whether the applicant meets the statutory conditions for the granting of naturalisation. It will be submitted to me for decision in due course.
The granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is a privilege and an honour which confers certain rights and entitlements not only within the State but also at European Union level and it is important that appropriate procedures are in place to preserve the integrity of the process.
The median processing time for applications now currently stands at 19 months. I understand the extended wait times can be frustrating for applicants and my Department has been working hard to clear backlogs.
It is recognised that all applicants for citizenship would wish to have a decision on their application without delay. However, the nature of the naturalisation process is such that, for a broad range of reasons, some cases will take longer than others to process. In some instances, completing the necessary checks can take a considerable period of time.
However, my Department is taking a number of steps to speed up the processing of applications and a number of digitisation measures have also been introduced to increase efficiency in the process, including eTax clearance, eVetting and online payments. The end result of the digitisation process will be to free up more staff to focus on processing applications in a timely and efficient manner, to improve service to our customers and reduce waiting times.
If further documentation and/or clarification of any matter relating to this application is required, my Department will write directly to the applicant.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility at: INISOireachtasMail@justice.ie, which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Question process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in the cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
Medical Qualifications
Ceisteanna (250)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:250. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the delays with the accreditation of cardio physiologists who require certification of their training to be approved by the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Physiology; the knock-on effects this is having on recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9280/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, many professions employed in the health service are not subject to statutory regulation, and this includes Clinical Measurement Physiologists.
At present, eligibility criteria for posts within the HSE and HSE-funded services are approved by the HSE’s National Director of HR in consultation with stakeholders and with regard to recruitment challenges, skill-mix, and continuing professional development. Accreditation of education programmes by professional representative bodies is a matter for the professional bodies and education institutions involved. Internationally qualified Clinical Measurement Physiologists who wish to work in Ireland can apply for recognition of their qualifications through the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science.
As this question relates to a service matter rather than a regulation matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (251)
Josepha Madigan
Ceist:251. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has any plans to provide for a new HSE primary care centre in Stillorgan, County Dublin, or the surrounding areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9281/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (252)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:252. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a full list of vacancies in both CAMHS mental health intellectual disability, community mental health teams in an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9289/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (253)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:253. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a person can access saxenda under a medical card if they have a BMI of above 35 and suffer from hypertension but where the person does not have prediabetic bloods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9291/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). I, as the Minister for Health, have no role in these decisions.
The HSE considers the NCPE assessment, the outputs from commercial engagements, patient interest group submissions, and any other pertinent information in advance of making a reimbursement decision.
The HSE has approved reimbursement for Liraglutide (Saxenda®) 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen under the community drug schemes from 1st January 2023.
This product is approved for reimbursement on the basis of managed access. Reimbursement under the community drug schemes is for adults prescribed Liraglutide (Saxenda®) 6 mg/ml solution for injection in pre-filled pen as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management, with an initial body mass index of 35 kg/m2 with prediabetes and high-risk of cardiovascular disease.
The relevant HSE circular (002/23) can be accessed at:
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/pcrs/circulars/pharmacy/pharmacy-circular-002-23-saxenda.pdf.
Mental Health Policy
Ceisteanna (254)
Mark Ward
Ceist:254. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health when the draft model of care for dual diagnosis will be approved by the College of Psychiatrists; the cause of this delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9301/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (255)
Mark Ward
Ceist:255. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if a building inspection has been carried out on the proposed site in CHO3 for the first adult dual diagnosis team; the reason this was carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9302/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (256)
Mark Ward
Ceist:256. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the recruitment of a consultant psychiatrist in the adult dual diagnosis team in CHO4; when this post will be filled; the reason recruitment for the multidisciplinary team supporting the consultant psychiatrist position has not started yet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9303/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (257)
Mark Ward
Ceist:257. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the reopening of Keltoi; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9304/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Care of the Elderly
Ceisteanna (258)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:258. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on his Department’s engagement with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the rolling out of State-funded old-age villages (details supplied); the number of old age villages built or under construction by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9307/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland’s population is ageing rapidly, and for the most part, our older population clearly indicates their preference to age in place, in their own homes, for as long as possible. The Department of Health’s strategic policy goal is to deliver a new model of integrated, older persons health and social care services, across the care continuum, supporting older people to remain living independently in their own homes and communities for longer, in line with the Sláintecare vision for receiving the right care, in the right place, and at the right time.
COVID-19 has also highlighted the important need to move to new models of care for older people. This will involve short and long-term reform across Government in order to provide new housing models and new ‘home-first’ care models.
The Department of Health is committed to delivering the vision of the 2019 policy statement on 'Housing Options for Our Ageing Population', jointly published with the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. The central aim of the policy statement is to increase the housing options available to older people and to facilitate the integration of supports in a more coherent way, particularly between the housing and health sectors, with a view to facilitating people to live at home with dignity and independence for longer.
The final report of the group, published in June last year, details the significant progress that has been made to date and the plans for taking the strategic goals of the policy statement onwards. The remaining actions will be taken forward within the framework of Housing for All which aims to increase housing options for older people to facilitate ageing in place, in their own homes and communities, with dignity and independence, and deliver an appropriate range of housing and related support services, in an integrated and sustainable manner.
Building on the co-operative momentum established under Housing Options for our Ageing Population, a new framework to continue the joint co-operative policy making and implementation between the Department of Housing and the Department of Health is being developed. Under this framework, both departments will consider a range of housing options for older people and how these might be delivered collaboratively, including retirement villages.
Currently, the Department of Health, alongside the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is supporting a Housing with Supports ‘demonstrator project’ in Inchicore in Dublin which is now under construction. Housing with Support is defined as purpose-built, non-institutional accommodation, where older people have their own front door and where support or care services are available. Housing with Support is a specialised housing option primarily for older people that falls between living independently in the community at one end of the spectrum and living in a nursing home or other form of long-term care at the other end.
This Housing with Support project in Inchicore is a collaborative, cross-sectoral, and cross-departmental project that recognises the need for a joined-up approach to addressing the critical issue of creating housing choice for our ageing population, one that requires housing, social, and care supports to be incorporated into a single model. It is the hope that this project will act as a pathfinder project for future mainstreaming of this form of housing.
The Department of Health will continue to prioritise the needs and preferences of older people and remain committed to supporting older people to age in place in their communities with access to wraparound supports, including day care and dementia-specific day care services, Meals on Wheels, and home care.
It is important that there is a cross-governmental and multi-stakeholder approach to address the barriers older people face to remain in their homes and communities as they age. The Department of Health is committed to addressing these challenges and supporting older people to age in place in Ireland while also continuing to deliver an appropriate range of housing and related support services for our older population.